The Citizens’ Council for Security and Justice has identified a form of animal abuse occurring around the Day of the Dead, in which dogs and cats—specifically those with black or white fur—are used for esoteric practices and witchcraft.
Through reports received via its helplines, the organization has determined that pets are being subjected to physical violence, including mutilation, beatings, and being kept restrained by those who carry out these practices.
According to data from the Citizens’ Council, the theft of pets tends to spike during this period. In some cases, individuals involved in these practices may ask owners to “borrow” their animals, or even offer money to take them away.
Dogs of these colors account for 86 percent of the reports, while cats account for 9 percent.
As of last September, 203 complaints regarding such incidents had been filed, 58 percent of which originated from the nation’s capital—specifically from the boroughs of Gustavo A. Madero, Cuauhtémoc, Venustiano Carranza, and Iztapalapa.
In an interview with this newspaper, Ramón Beltrán, executive secretary of the Citizens’ Council, stated that the reports primarily involve the theft, purchase, or even the adoption of dogs and cats—specifically those with these coat colors—for use in such practices.
“The types of reports we are receiving involve the purchase, adoption, or theft of these sentient beings for the purpose of esoteric practices related to the Day of the Dead,” he asserted.
Individuals who engage in animal abuse—such as mutilation or beatings—are often involved in other types of criminal activity as well; therefore, the Council advises pet owners to exercise extreme caution. Beltrán noted that roosters, hens, and even goats can also fall victim to physical abuse and mutilation during this period; these animals are often acquired in city markets—such as the Sonora Market—where the sale of animals should no longer be taking place.
The Secretariat of Citizen Security has also issued a warning regarding the use of animals in esoteric practices and witchcraft, urging the public to take extra precautions with dogs, cats, and other animals, as they may be targeted in acts of violence linked to superstitions.
Authorities advised against leaving animals unsupervised in streets, parks, or other public spaces, recommending instead that they be kept safely indoors. Furthermore, they cautioned that if an animal is to be put up for adoption, this should not be done during this time—and certainly not to strangers.
